Chapter 282 – Eden (1)

“Why don’t you study magic with me, Marronnier?”

“Mr. Marronnier, together with the ancient magic of Breton Tower.”

“Marronnier, have you ever considered using your power for combat?”

“It’s worth cultivating your spirit magic! Once, directly from the Yoshino family–”

“Mr. Marronnier–”

There were so many.

The third trial of the selection process allowed participating mentors to expand their network of young connections, so their focus tended to be on the national participants who typically took a considerable amount of time to join.
Being a national mentor meant adding a prestigious career milestone that others would admire.

Marronnier sat on a nearby staircase, clutching a handful of recommendation letters, and massaged her calves.

“I’m exhausted, why is the paper so heavy…?”

She was physically drained. The need for exercise was keenly felt.

Marronnier sighed as he examined his body.

‘I feel like I’ve gained weight, especially in my thighs lately.’

Lately, there were times when he was afraid to step on the scale. He hadn’t gained a significant amount, just a bit. However, even that was a fatal blow for a female athlete at the national level.

41 kg.

He had gained quite a bit compared to the 35 kg he weighed when he had just won the national title and endured grueling training sessions. As the face of France, managing his weight and maintaining his physique were tasks he naturally had to undertake.

‘…I don’t know.’

Exercise is just too hard. He is inherently weak, and above all, his body is not in good health.

It would be better to confine himself to a small room and study magic instead.

“Who else should I choose as a mentor?”

Marronnier tapped his foot as he surveyed the numerous letters of recommendation. The sentences were more densely packed than those in a cover letter for a major corporation.

He kindly explained the process of training and trials. I couldn’t tell if he was a mentor or a job-seeker.

“Was I supposed to partner with someone from France?”

Her government had once suggested she forge a mentorship with a French Hunter.

The choice was hers, but there was no need to unnecessarily stand out. With that in mind, she began perusing the recommendation letters.

“A Marronnier participant?”
“Yes?”

She set down the recommendation letter in response to the woman’s voice and stood up.

As her gaze met Marronnier’s, she immediately held her breath. The Sage was right before her eyes.

“…Could it be, are you the Sage?”
“Yes? Oh, many people call me that.”

She was so astonished that she nearly lost her breath.

The deity of wizardry! A living relic of the magical world! Her path was bound to be filled with magical power.

Before her stood a genius of their age, deserving of any and all accolades.

“Why is the sage in a place like this…”

The sage was renowned for not appearing at world events, let alone forest guardian selection trials. Whenever someone was asked to name the most enigmatic hunter, she was the one consistently chosen. Immersed in her personal research and work, she was a workaholic.

The sage smiled faintly in response to Marronnier’s question.

“This time, I couldn’t afford to miss it.”
“Why? What’s the reason?”
“Hmm, could it be because Marronnier has a participant?”

She nearly lost her breath.
This time, truly.

Marronnier blinked repeatedly, feeling her heart race.
Her hair above her head stood on end and quivered.

“Because I’m participating?”
“How about it? I know I’m not the best, but would you like to learn from me?”
“Really? But I’m a national tree. It’s a bit odd, since there’s a place chosen for me by the nation.”
“Hmm. There’s also Lee Si-heon.”

Lee Si-heon.

“Yes, what do you mean?”

While her heart pounded, she tilted her head at the sudden mention of the name. Why had that name come up so unexpectedly?

“It’s nothing.”

The sage’s eyes, smiling gently, seemed to narrow for a moment.

“Then think carefully, and come to me if you feel inclined.”

The sage, who bowed his head lightly to Marronnier without any pressure, vanished. Marronnier placed her hand on her chest, blinking blankly.

– Hwoong!

At that moment, the wind blew, causing the recommendation letter beside her to flutter away.

“Ah! Aaaaaah…”

Fortunately, she used magic just in time to immobilize the flying recommendation letters, gathering them one by one and holding them in her arms. The sage’s teachings were like the dream of wizards across the world. No matter how significant she was in her field, she could not help but be captivated by it. As Marronnier collected the papers, she found herself in deep thought.

‘…Lee Si-heon.’

– Gwak.

As I gripped the paper tightly, wrinkles spread across its surface.

‘Well, it should be fine, right?’

Even though we were taking the same class, it was merely a coincidence.

* * * * * * * *

I heard that a sage was among the mentors.

The rumors spread rapidly, and in less than a day, everyone participating in the selection knew about it.

While everyone else sat in restaurants, nearby cafes, or bars, pondering over their recommendation letters, we, the sage’s mentees, had already gathered elsewhere, exchanging greetings.

Marronnier and Cornus.

Including myself, there were three mentees and one mentor.

“Hello? You’re Cornus, right?”

“Yep.”

Cornus nodded in response to Marronnier’s greeting. In the awkward atmosphere, Marronnier kept stealing glances at me while Cornus stared intently at Marronnier.

It felt too awkward for the two of them to exchange formalities, so I intervened.

“Just speak informally. We’re the same age anyway.”
“Should we?”
“I don’t mind.”

Regardless of being nobility or not, my reputation has been on the rise lately.
Lately, I’ve been feeling more like I’m treated the same way as any other person.

Up until I arrived here, the looks directed at me felt rather dismissive, but after some word of mouth, it felt as if I’d become a noble.

“You’re like a cat.”
“…Huh?”

At Sansuyu’s words, Marronnier tensed up.

Unexpectedly, Sansuyu reached out and stroked Marronnier’s hair. It felt really good.
As I touched it, it was so soft and pleasant.

“It’s so fluffy. Reminds me of tteokbokki.”
“Tteok…? What’s tteokbokki? No, what is it?”
“My favorite food. Si-eon can make it for you.”
“Ah, I see. I’d love to try it sometime.”

Marronnier’s demeanor towards Sansuyu was as if conversing with a distinguished noble lady, but the intervention of tteokbokki disrupted the atmosphere.

“Are you two in the same academy? How did you become friends?”
“It just happened. We met in the training room and became friends while chatting.”
“I see…”

It didn’t take long for Marronnier and Sansuyu to grow close.

As they ordered food and shared some dishes, they quickly engaged in conversations about magic and swordsmanship. Unlike their peers at El Academy, they seemed to have a natural rapport, perhaps due to their similar family backgrounds.

– Munching.

I set down a piece of half-eaten bread and gazed at the sage.

This individual, who had been silently observing our conversations without mentioning anything about the ordeal, remained an enigma. Neither their age nor personality offered any clues.

“Excuse me, wise one.”
“Yes?”

“I have a question. You’re a wizard, aren’t you?”
“Indeed.”

As the wise man answered my question, Sansuyu inquired.

“I can only use basic magic.”
“That’s alright, Sansuyu. The truth is, I’m not intending to teach magic.”
“What?!”
“Of course, if you wish to learn, I’d be happy to teach you. So, don’t be too surprised, Blanche.”
“Um, that name is a bit…”
“Then what are you aiming to teach?”

At this, the wise man immediately looked at me and smiled.

“Should I say… the way the world works?”

The way the world works?

Considering he specifically pointed at me, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
Sometimes, people in this world know more about me than I do.

For instance, Gu-seul, whom I met just the other day, was already fully aware of my romantic relationships.
Tae-yang and Aori also know that I am King Mokryeong. They seem to know the most about King Mokryeong.

The World Capital of Time was aware that I would be entering this realm, and both Flower and the World Tree anticipated the arrival of King Mokryeong’s progeny, preparing accordingly.

It was rather intriguing.

As if this were not the Truman Show, I remained oblivious, while others seemed to have a clear view of me.

Such occurrences were uncommon, but they did happen. At times, the foresight of capable businesses and politicians aligned like prophecies. I had witnessed such miracles myself.

Considering the existence of such extraordinary individuals in this world, wouldn’t it be odd for the wisest sage, reputed to be the most enlightened, to be unaware of me?

‘Even Maroni can read other people’s thoughts as of now.’

Not to mention prophecies. It’s impossible for abilities related to fate not to exist. Conversely, I could not rely on any powers aside from those of my physical body. I had to employ my intellect alone to rival other politicians.

No wonder Gu-seul disregarded me.

If the higher powers resolve to do so, they can corner me in an instant.

I redirected my thoughts and gazed at the sage. A woman with exceedingly pale skin was observing me with her captivating eyes.

“I know what you’re contemplating.”

The sage’s words whispered into my ear.

“There’s no ill will, so don’t worry.”

At the sage’s unexpected statement, Marronnier and Sansuyu cocked their heads in confusion, but I couldn’t help but smile.

“Don’t worry” – there’s nothing more terrifying than that. In another sense, it’s like saying she’s perched atop my head, effortlessly deciphering my thoughts.

“Ah, yes.”

I responded diplomatically and placed the bread back in my mouth. The now somewhat stale bread wasn’t quite to my liking.

“I think we’ll start the lessons tomorrow.”

“So soon? The mentor selection doesn’t end until three days from now.”

Marronnier expressed surprise at the sage’s words.

It’s not surprising. Now that the mentor has been confirmed, if there’s much to teach, it’s best to begin classes as soon as possible. The third trial is deeply connected to the fourth trial. The fourth trial is where one can showcase the skills they’ve developed in the previous trial. For mentors, the sooner the classes commence, the better.

“I have much to prepare. It will most likely take place in my laboratory.”
“Really? The laboratory?! Are you serious?”
“What’s the matter?”

Upon asking Marronnier, who appeared genuinely astonished, she excitedly waved her hands around.

“Don’t you know? It’s the sage’s laboratory! You’re a wizard, after all. How can a wizard not know this?”
“Well, it’s possible not to know. What’s with the reaction, anyway…”
“It’s a place where all the magic in the world comes together. It’s called Eden!”

Eden?

This is the first time I’ve seen Marronnier so excited.

“…There isn’t such a name, but others tend to call it that. It’s a place where the magic I’ve created, as well as the ancient magic crafted by my ancestors, is stored.”

Magic.

Its resonance remains pleasing no matter how many times I hear it. It’s enjoyable to bring forth events thought to be impossible with my own hands. That’s why I emerged as a mage during the preliminary round.

It’s far less strenuous, tidier, and more entertaining to make things fall with a flick of magic rather than using physical force.

“But it’s the first time I’ve seen you so thrilled.”

“Well, well! Can’t help it, can I? It’s Eden. Eden, you say? It’s Eden, after all…”

“Alright.”

Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to the highly praised Eden for work. I don’t know what I’ll learn or hear, but one thing is for certain: genuinely pure-hearted individuals among the clever ones are rare. I glanced at the sage and pondered.

For now, let’s not let our guard down.

* * * * * * *

The very next day.

A single instance of the sage’s magic sufficed for a visit to Eden. Nobody knew the precise location and coordinates of the laboratory, and thus the sage was the sole individual capable of bringing me there.

Discreetly, I tried to spread magical energy in case it would help, but the coordinates had been treated so as to be unreadable.

Upon arriving at Eden, I glanced around in curiosity from behind the sage, wondering about this place.

“Lee – Si-eon!”

From within a heap of books, a small girl with long hair sprang out to greet us.

Her eyes shone with a brilliance resembling moonlight. She was roughly the same size as Shiba, appearing to be the smallest among kindergarteners—safe to assume she had just begun to walk.

Could she be the sage’s daughter?

As the young girl attempted to stand, she tumbled to the ground and pointed at me.

“The king has appeared!”

She screamed with delight.

As they all cried out together, I found myself at a loss for words and promptly closed my mouth.

“The Tree King!”

It was a moment teetering on the brink of exposing his true identity.